Yes, IDR provide this service free of charge. Until enough is known about your dispute, it is not possible to give an accurate assessment of likely actions or costs.
Wills & Inheritance Disputes Solicitors
Losing someone you love is hard enough without having to worry about arguments over their money or property. When a will or an estate causes a serious disagreement, it's called an inheritance dispute or contentious probate, and they often involve complex legal and emotional issues.
At Quality Solicitors, we support clients across England and Wales who are involved in disputes relating to wills, estates, executors, and inheritance claims. Our role is to provide clear, practical advice, protect your position, and help you reach the best possible outcome whether that is through early resolution or, where necessary, court proceedings.
1 in 3 of us are relying on an inheritance to discharge debt or fund retirement and 1 in 10 of us will simply go into debt without receiving an expected inheritance. 38% of us would dispute a will and potentially go to court if the inheritance received was considered unfair or not what was expected.
For specialist claims involving contentious wills and inheritance disputes, we work in partnership with IDR Law, a firm with a dedicated focus on this highly technical area of law.
IDR Law can provide a clear, practical, and empathetic advice on finding a way forward with your inheritance issues.
Check if you can claim today
As the UK’s only inheritance dispute law firm, they have created an inheritance Claim Checker tool that reassures and advises on next steps if you find yourself in any one of these situations.
- Left out of a will or received less than expected
- The will was improperly written or signed
- You are unhappy with the handling of the estate
- The will does not reflect the deceased person's wishes
- There is no will
- You were relying on inheritance
- You promised an inheritance that hasn’t materialised
- A claim against you has been made, which you need to defend
Do you have grounds to make an Inheritance claim?
If you are unsure whether you can challenge a will or bring a claim against an estate, you can use the Inheritance Claim Tracker below.
- Submissions made via the Claim Tracker are sent directly to IDR Law for specialist assessment.
- There is no obligation, and your information is treated confidentially.
For all general enquiries or advice requests, please use the enquiry form further down the page.
What is an inheritance dispute?
An inheritance dispute arises when there is disagreement over how a deceased person’s estate, money, property, or possessions should be distributed or managed. This may involve:
- Concerns about whether a will is legally valid
- Claims that someone has been treated unfairly
- Allegations that executors or trustees are not acting properly
These matters can be legally complex and time-sensitive, which is why early advice from experienced probate dispute solicitors is essential.
Common Types of Wills & Inheritance Disputes
1. Challenging the Validity of a Will
A will can only be challenged on specific legal grounds. Common reasons include:
- Lack of Mental Capacity: The person making the will did not understand what they were signing, the extent of their estate, or who should reasonably benefit.
- Undue Influence: The will reflects pressure or coercion from another person, rather than the true wishes of the deceased.
- Improper Execution: The will was not signed or witnessed correctly in accordance with the Wills Act 1837.
- Lack of Knowledge or Approval: The deceased signed the document but did not understand or approve its contents.
- Fraud or Forgery: The will is not genuine, or the deceased was deceived into signing it.
2. Inheritance Act Claims (1975 Act) – Financial Provision
Even where a will is valid, certain individuals may still be entitled to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they were not left reasonable financial provision.
You may be eligible to claim if you are:
- A spouse or civil partner
- A former spouse or civil partner (who has not remarried)
- A child of the deceased (including adult children)
- Someone treated as a child of the family
- A person financially dependent on the deceased
3. Executor and Trustee Disputes
Problems can also arise with how an estate or trust is being managed. We can assist where:
- Estate assets are being mismanaged or undervalued
- Executors are delaying, refusing to act, or acting dishonestly
- Beneficiaries are not receiving proper accounts or information
- An executor or trustee needs to be removed or replaced
How We Can Help
Quality Solicitors provides initial guidance and support for individuals facing wills and inheritance disputes. Where specialist contentious probate advice or representation is required, we work in partnership with IDR Law, a firm with dedicated expertise in inheritance and estate disputes.
Together, our approach is structured, transparent, and proportionate to the dispute.
- Initial Assessment: We help you understand your position, explain your options clearly, and ensure your enquiry is directed appropriately, either handled by Quality Solicitors or referred to IDR Law for specialist assessment.
- Specialist Claim Review: Where a claim requires specialist contentious probate input, IDR Law will review the merits of the case in detail, including risks, evidence requirements, and prospects of success.
- Evidence and Case Preparation: IDR Law will assist with gathering and analysing key evidence such as medical records, financial documentation, and witness statements to support your claim or defence.
- Resolution or Court Proceedings: Where possible, disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation. If court proceedings are necessary, IDR Law can provide specialist litigation representation.
Complete the Claim Checker tool today and find out where you stand.
Or fill the enquiry form, we will get back to you.
FAQs
When will I hear back after submitting the Claim Checker?
Once submitted, your details are automatically forwarded to IDR Law’s Triage Team. Assessments are handled in order of arrival.
Our aim is to respond on the same day or within 24 hours.
Do you offer No Win No Fee funding?
We offer several funding methods, including Pay as You Go, deferred funding, No Win No Fee arrangements, Klarna payment options, and access to legal fee funders.
Availability depends on factors such as the nature of the dispute, estate value, available evidence, and litigation risk.
Can I dispute inheritance?
In the UK, individuals can leave their estate to whoever they choose. However, disputes can arise and it may be possible to challenge inheritance arrangements.
You must have the legal right (standing) to bring a claim.
On what grounds can inheritance be disputed?
The courts may consider disputes based on:
- The will is not legally valid
- Financial dependency on the deceased
- Improper estate administration
- Unfulfilled promises
Who has the right to dispute inheritance?
Only certain individuals connected to the deceased have legal standing. This may include:
- Spouses or civil partners
- Children or direct descendants
- Individuals financially dependent on the deceased
- Those named in a current or previous will
Time limits also apply when bringing a claim.
What are the time limits on bringing a claim?
Time limits vary depending on the type of dispute. For financial provision claims, there is typically a six-month limit from the date of probate, with an additional four months to file.
Delays can make claims harder due to:
- Difficulty gathering evidence
- Challenges overturning settled estates
You may also halt probate by entering a caveat where appropriate.